Gas Interlock Systems

Why is a Gas Interlock Required?

What is an interlock?

An interlock is a system that will not allow the gas to be turned on until the ventilation system is operating correctly.

Why is an interlock required? An interlock is required to ensure the safety and comfort of the kitchen staff. If the ventilation system is not operating correctly, gases including carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide can build up to dangerous levels. These two gases give most concern to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

How does the interlock work? A sensor must detect an airflow above a certain threshold and then the system will allow the gas isolation valve to open, thus allowing the gas appliances to be used. If the air is NOT flowing, the gas isolation valve CANNOT open. To comply with Gas Safe regulations, actual airflow “draught” must be measured to determine if the isolation valve should open or not. Any form of electrical, or “fan running” interlock does not comply with the regulations. The important point here is that it is not sufficient just to have a ventilation system, but that it must actually be working correctly for the chef and staff to be safe from poisoning.

The risks of not complying with the regulations include the following:

Risks to the health of employees. 2. Insurance implications of a claim by an individual or because of a related accident. 3. A CORGI registered installer may issue an At Risk or Immediately Dangerous certificate which could adversely affect trade. 4. In the event of an incident HSE investigation, up to a £5000.00 fine and referral to Crown court.

What is Flame Supervision? Flame supervision is a device fitted to a gas appliance that will turn off the gas if the flame goes out.

What is a Gas Proving System? A gas proving system prevents dangerous situations occurring by preventing the gas supply from being turned on until all appliances isolation valves are closed.

Do I need a Gas Proving System?

You must have a gas proving system if any of your appliances DO NOT have flame supervision fitted. If an appliance isolation valve is left open and the gas is turned on, gas will continue to vent into the kitchen. A gas proving system prevents this dangerous situation occurring by preventing the gas supply from being turned on until all appliance isolation valves are closed.

How does a Gas Proving System work: a) First the fans must be running. (See panel “Fans On / Off” Indicators) b) Operate the gas power keyswitch. c) Depress the “Start Gas Proving” Button. d) IF the gas system is safe, the main gas valve will open and the panel will indicate “Gas On” Else the “Gas Off” indicator will remain lit, as an appliance valve is still open or a gas leak exists.

This is an essential accessory for the safety of any commercial kitchen since 2004. A gas minding kit is a system that will not allow the gas to be turned on until the ventilation system is on and functioning correctly. The HSE also strongly monitor this as it truly is a key piece of safety for all your staff.

The gas minding kit is a sensor that must detect an air flow above a certain threshold and then the system will allow the gas isolation valve to open. If the air is NOT flowing, the gas isolation valve CANNOT open.

CORGI regulations state actual airflow must be measured to determine if the isolation valve should open or not. Any form of electrical, or “fan running” interlock does not comply with the regulations.

For any more help with the gas inter lock system please feel free to call us on 01733 700468

Solenoid Size

Price

Pack Price

1/2″

£58.00

£136.00

3/4″

£65.00

£140.00

1″

£71.00

£150.00

1 1/4″

£105.00

£180.00

1 1/2″

£109.00

£192.00

2″

£145.00

£212.00

A Gas Solenoid Pack consists of:

1x Gas Solenoid Valve

1x Gas Minder Control Unit

1x Pressure Flow Switch

1x Ducting Kit (Tube and Connectors)

1x Remote Emergency Stop Button

If you require more than one Pressure Flow Switch (For those who have an Air Intake as well as Extract System) Please Contact 01733 700468 for more details.